1 Peter 2:18-24

Do you have this kind of courage? Jackie Robinson demonstrated true courage when he handled himself in an exemplerary manner when becoming the first black to play pro baseball in the major leagues.

"For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are..."

"Dear Disciple, Life sometimes is not fair. If you have any doubts about that, just remember what you celebrate when you take part in Communion. My..."

"For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God."

"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed."

Inspirational illustration of 1 Peter 2:24 -- 24   He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.

Inspirational illustration of 1 Peter 2:19 niv -- For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God.

Inspirational illustration of 1 Peter 2:19 -- For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

Can your ego handle the call of Jesus to humility? Our egos are fragile and important but also dangerous, but we must learn humility.

How did he hold back his power? Tom Norvell reminds us that Jesus had the power to get even but did not retaliate in word or deed when he was reviled, mocked, belittled, mocked, and ridiculed.

"Christ carried our sins in his body on the cross so we would stop living for sin and start living for what is right. And you are healed because of his..."

"Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as an excuse to do evil. Live as servants of God. Show respect for all people: Love the brothers and...."

Who do you need to be like Jesus? It's so hard to be Christ-like; we want everyone else to do it.

How do we get past our dislike? Alan Smith reminds us that we can overcome the problems of dislike and proximity, uncomfortability and familiarity through love in very practical steps.

This is no joking matter when you are in the bear's woods! Phil Ware talks about bear attacks in Alaska and also how Satan attacks us and reminds us that Jesus is our assurance that we are never alone when we are attacked and he has worked to defend us.

Why all the talk about the Passion? God loves us so much that he sent his Son to save us.

What can watching kid games tell us about Jesus? Some may think that the kid games Somon Says and Red Light, Green Light show how to live the Christian life. I think Follow the Leader is better.

What do you have do every day if you become a Christian? What would Jesus do? What would Jesus not do? Tell everyone about Jesus. These are the things that determine what Christians do in their daily life.

Nik Wallenda walking a tightrope in Chicago was not the most inspirational walk I have seen. Watching an old man cross the street with his walker taught me about following Jesus in this world.

Are you willing to suffer if it spreads the Gospel? We must be ready to suffer; our brothers and sisters all around the world are and have!

If the Lord can transform Peter with his failures, imagine what the Lord can do with you. Phil Ware finishes his four part series on Peter and following Jesus by focusing on Jesus transforming and cruciforming him into a great servant for the Kingdom of God.